"I must leave you, sister, now that, for the first time, the relation is
acknowledged. I assure you, however, that I appreciate the sisterly
kindness you have always lavished upon me. And I shall always remember
this visit as the happiest period of my life."
"Then I may hope you will often repeat it," replied Emily, sadly.
"However pleasant it would be for me to do so, I fear my duty will be a
barrier to my inclination. My future post, you are aware, is Newport."
"And you depart so suddenly, and then seem inclined to make your absence
perpetual! But we shall see you where-ever you are. We go to Newport
this season, if father's health will permit," returned Emily, with a
playful pout.
"I would stay by you,--that is, I would stay at Bellevue forever,--if my
duty to your father--I mean to my country--would permit," stammered
Henry, much agitated, as he rose to depart.
"I must go and bid farewell to your father," continued he, taking her
hand, which he perceived trembled violently, in his own; "and I trust
you will remember your absent brother--" kindly, he was about to say,
but Emily, attempting to rise, was overpowered by the emotions which she
had vainly striven to suppress, and sunk back in a swoon.
Pages:
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48